Seplat Energy Plc, Nigeria's leading indigenous energy company, has restated its dedication to strengthening education systems and preparing Africa's workforce for tomorrow. The firm believes government, private businesses and development organisations must work together to create sustainable learning platforms across the continent.
Rogers Brown, the company's chief executive, made this position clear through a representative at the 2026 Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS). Chioma Afe, director of External Affairs and Social Performance, spoke on his behalf during a plenary session titled "Powering Africa's Future: Private Sector Leadership in Education Transformation," which Seplat sponsored.
The event drew policymakers, business figures, development partners, scholars and education experts to discuss how partnerships, tech innovation and STEAM investment (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) can equip young Africans for future careers. Brown said the partnership reflects the company's drive to create real change through joint efforts.
"Our work with ASIS lets us partner with groups that share our mission to reshape education at scale. This means moving from discussion to doing," he said.
Seplat has poured resources into schooling across host communities in Edo, Delta and Imo states, with plans to reach Akwa Ibom. The company funds basic and secondary schools, university scholarships, teacher development, STEAM labs through its Access to Energy initiative, and the Seplat Innovation Programme.
The innovation scheme encourages secondary students to create clean energy solutions alongside the Nigerian National Petroleum Company limited (NNPCL). Brown stressed that no single nation, sector or body can tackle this challenge alone.
"With teamwork, good policy and steady private investment, we can arm young people with knowledge and skills to flourish in a changing world and lift education standards across Africa," he told the gathering.
Suwaiba Ahmad, minister of State for Education, called learning "the most strategic investment any nation can make." She praised Seplat Energy for its years of backing the sector through grants, teacher schemes, school buildings and STEAM projects.
Ahmad noted that education drives economic growth, creativity and national strength, with digital change vital to building systems ready for the future. She warned that the scale of change needed exceeds what government can achieve alone.
The minister urged bigger private sector spending on school internet links, digital systems, teaching tools, teacher training, artificial intelligence and technical education. Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, speaking through his deputy Obafemi Hamzat, underlined how partnerships finance Africa's growth in key sectors.
